The use of technology in all aspects of life has mushroomed exponentially.  I jumped on the “tech” wagon in the field of design years ago when AutoCAD was the first design software available.  We started using a simple version of this software for space planning and drawing floor plans.  No more drawing board and tracing paper for me!  Fast forward about 25 years and I am truly amazed and shocked about how I have embraced all of this.  This leads to the right brain-left brain thoughts.  You probably already know what side of your brain controls your personality.  If you would like to take a quick right brain–left brain quiz check out this site.

http://www.intelliscript.net/test_area/questionnaire/questionnaire.cgi

Now I know why technology and design work for me. I am almost exactly 50% right and left brained.  So here is how I have recently used both sides of my brain.

We are working with a young American couple who reside in Singapore.  They have a house at Lake Gaston to be able to spend a month each year with all their US family and friends.  We are working together to prepare their family cottage for the summer months.  We have been communicating by e-mail with collage boards and photographs of products.  I found my right side of the brain wanting the emotional energy of a face to face discussion.  E-mail is great but I like to develop a relationship with my clients. So with a whole “nest” of design products stashed behind my desk and the help of my very left brained husband, Paul, we set up a Skype video call.  First we had to clarify time zones.  Singapore is exactly 12 hours ahead of us.   Then schedule the appointment.  For the sake of the client, I chose the 9 PM time slot so she could be fresh at 9 AM, her time.

WOW!  Was I ever amazed at how great this can work!  Not only did the client and I start building a more personal relationship but I realized how truly global our world has become.  It was a little awkward trying to get the best light on samples and remembering to look at the webcam.  Otherwise I entered the zone of creative thinking pulling together samples of cabinet styles, finishes, countertops materials and tile to illustrate to my client the concept I had in my right brain.  The best part is she got it!  She now sees the finish elements for the space that I envision.  Both of us are feeling so much more comfortable with the direction of the project and communicating on the same page (or screen, so to speak).

Here is a collage board and floor plan for this project.  Hopefully we will be able to show you the finished space prior to their arrival in July. Yikes!  I better get busy.

Not here at Lake Gaston, not a problem.  Technology can easily bridge the gap.  Let’s build a relationship to work together to create your lifestyle.

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LA Marathon On Ocean Ave

Recently I had the opportunity to observe the LA Marathon which followed a new route from Dodger Stadium down to the Santa Monica Pier, 26.2 miles.  It was quite impressive.  For days prior to the race the city streets were posted with signs notifying motorists of the street closures for race day.  Sunday, March 21 was the big day.  The city, the organizers and the athletes had prepared and trained for months for the event.  The drive, the stamina, and the commitment could be seen in the faces of the runners.   Just standing on the sidelines and watching the last couple of miles was very exciting.  The racers seemed to go on forever down Ocean Blvd, part of the historic Route 66.  I never expected to get so excited standing on the sidelines, rooting for the runners to make the last mile.

Undertaking a re-modeling project can feel like running a marathon.  You dream of your new space.  You research the options.  You outline the budget.  You plan the best time to undertake the project.  You start the project. During the construction mess, the unexpected changes, and the slow but sure progress you have to keep your eye on your goal, the finish line, your new space.  Without a coach or a trainer this can be incredibly overwhelming.

I have never even attempted to run a marathon.  Before embarking on such an endeavor I would have to find a coach, a mentor, a support person to work with me to prepare, train and cross the finish line.  I realized this is what I do every day for my design clients.  Before beginning a design project there is considerable preparation and planning.  It involves a trained team that will design, implement and see the project to completion.  There is the finish line, the goal…the beautiful, functional new space.

The Goal, a beautiful new space!

Observing the LA Marathon has reinforced for me how important it is to plan, to train and to work hard to obtain a goal.  Regardless of the size of your project you must approach it much like a marathon

Let’s work together to plan, to train and to achieve your design goals!  Together we can reach the finish line!